London Al-Quds rally defies restrictions amid Gaza war anger

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on Sunday for the annual Al-Quds Day rally, after British authorities blocked the traditional march through the capital.

The event, held each year in support of Palestine, was heavily restricted following a government decision to ban the procession. Instead of marching through the streets as in previous years, participants were permitted only to hold a stationary rally.

The restrictions intimidated many supporters from attending.

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan acknowledged that turnout was lower than expected, saying “fewer people attend than we had anticipated”, adding that the conditions imposed by police meant some participants “chose” to stay away.

The Al-Quds Day protest, organised in the United Kingdom by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), is typically held toward the end of Ramadan and calls attention to Palestinian rights and Israel’s decades-long occupation.

This year’s event was framed by organisers as a protest against the genocide in Gaza, with banners and slogans also opposing the widening Israeli-US war and calling for “Hands Off Iran”.

Many demonstrators waved Palestinian flags as speakers denounced Israel’s war on Gaza and western support for the campaign, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated the besieged enclave.

The UK government approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to prohibit the march, alleging concerns about “serious public disorder”, according to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

Police said 12 people were arrested during the rally, “including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour”. Officers also said they were “investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest”.

In response, the Islamic Human Rights Commission condemned the decision.

It said it “strongly condemns the decision by the Metropolitan Police to ban the Al Quds Day March”, arguing the restrictions curtailed the right to protest in support of Palestinians.